Sony's answer to the JVC HM100 and Canon XF100?

Sony introduces another compact Professional Grade Camcorder the HXR-NX70J Akihabara News (http://en.akihabaranews.com/88998/camcorder/sony-introduces-another-compact-professional-grade-camcorder-the-hxr-nx70j)

It looks like the camcorder I've been waiting for. I hope it has a histogram. The wider lens, 96 GB internal memory and price are very attractive. I wonder why the audio module and handle are removable?
Expected in July for $3,200 U.S.

Yes it has a histogram but looks to be basically a CX700 in a new box at 3 times the price. Most of the key specs are the same as the CX700, lens, recording, batteries, accessories etc . So its AVCHD rather than MPEG2 for instance.

Ron Evans

We'll have to wait and see. CX700 + better lens + better sound maybe but it looks promising.

From Sony Pro web site:
Video Recording Format HD MPEG-4 AVCHD format compatible +1080/60p original format)
MPEG-2 PS (Same as DVD) for SD

I still prefer the XF100 vs this one

From Sony Pro web site:
Video Recording Format HD MPEG-4 AVCHD format compatible +1080/60p original format)
MPEG-2 PS (Same as DVD) for SD

Significant specs including lens look to be exactly like the CX700. Major differences are, water and sand resistant, XLR and mic, bigger battery, the V70 not sure if it will even take the V100 because of the size of the water resistant box, bigger lens hood and eyepiece, more direct manual controls with lens ring rather than control knob.

Ron Evans

I plan on buying a NXCAM this summer. I will appreciate everyone's help in making that decision.

I wonder why the audio module and handle are removable?

Well, there are places where pro cameras are not allowed if you don't work for a tv channel or such...so having the ability to remove the handle/audio module and camouflage the cam as a regular handycam is a really nice option if getting the footage is critical.

Jvc released this video about the HM100 and they talk about these kind of situations

JVC GY-HM100 Testimonial (http://pro.jvc.com/pro/attributes/CAMERA/clips/miss_u_hm100.html)

I'm exploring the option of getting the nx70 as a B camera when it's released because I'm getting really comfortable with the AVCHD format from sony...but the price tag is kinda high, I think mostly because of the internal flash drive.

I hope we will be able to put on shoulder straps on the Sony. Because the biggest downside of the JVC HM100 for me, is that you couldn't put on a camera strap.

Some discussion has also been taking place here: http://www.dvinfo.net/forum/digital-video-industry-news/493466-new-sony-hxr-nx70-water-dust-proof.html

I'm getting quite excited about this camera. A year ago, I wanted a small cam that I could travel with more easily. The only choices were the HM100 (which was expensive, in the UK at least) and the Panasonic HMC41. The XF100 from Canon didn't exist then. I went for the Panasonic, but as a Sony Man I've never quite been happy.

The NX70 seems to have improvements in all the areas that matter to me - much wider lens, better viewfinder, better LCD screen, more on-screen guides (I think), histogram, plus better layout, not to mention its water- and dust-proof properties.

For me, it's all going to come down to price, some of the UK prices being quoted have it just at £300 less than the NX5, which is crazy.

A release date of July also seems like a lifetime away! Patience, young man, patience!